It's a great time to be a Daredevil fan! The Netflix series continues with Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, and Marvel Comics launches a new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, reuniting Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series offers a compelling premise: Daredevil's own version of The Dark Knight Returns.
IGN spoke with Soule to learn more. See an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the gallery below, then read on for insights into the series and Soule's thoughts on Born Again's adaptation of his past Daredevil work.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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Cold Day in Hell draws parallels to The Dark Knight Returns, shifting the setting to a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers, grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent from this futuristic Marvel Universe, until circumstances force Matt back into action.
Soule explains, "Matt's older. The idea is he left superhero life behind years ago. Not just him—superheroes are gone, at least compared to the present-day Marvel Universe. His powers, gained from radioactive exposure, faded over time. He retains his combat skills, but he's an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past he's tried to leave behind."
This "aging hero returns" trope, seen in works like Old Man Logan, is potent, Soule says, allowing exploration of the hero's essence without superpowers. Cold Day in Hell creates its own Marvel corner with a unique past, allowing creative freedom while using iconic elements.
This isn't Soule and McNiven's first collaboration on mortality themes; Death of Wolverine comes to mind. Soule considers their projects companion pieces, each building on their collaborative evolution and friendship. He describes Cold Day in Hell as highly collaborative, a back-and-forth process resulting in a unique feel.
The story explores how supporting characters and villains have aged. While Soule remains tight-lipped on specifics, he promises major surprises.
Cold Day in Hell serves as an accessible entry point to Daredevil comics, requiring only basic knowledge of the character's past. While set in the future, it's designed to be enjoyed even by newcomers.
Soule confirms Daredevil: Born Again draws inspiration from his Daredevil run, including elements beyond Mayor Fisk and Muse. He found it amazing to see his ideas from almost a decade ago adapted for a wider audience.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2, 2025. For more on Marvel Comics, see what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2025.
